“The Zebbug Local Council needs your help,” begins Zebbug councillor Steve Zammit Lupi in a post on Facebook encouraging locals to sign a petition against a proposed development in the area known as Tal-Grazzja in the town.

The application (PA/07492/19) proposes the construction of a five-storey building to replace the old wine factory called Hal Kaprat with a retail complex. The proposal also includes the demolition of current buildings and stores and the excavation of two levels.

Steve Zammit Lupi is encouraging locals to have a say on this matter, posting not only to his personal profile, but also to the Facebook group belonging to Din L-Art Helwa. “The Local Council was proactive about the matter and held a consultation meeting with the residents. During the meeting, an opposing position was taken due to various reasons,” he writes.

The council came to a conclusion that the development would impact the area in various ways, including:

1. This development is out of context and out of scale with the surrounding traditional character of the neighbourhood.

2. The proposed major development is within an Urban Conservation Area where the prevailing height is two floors.

3. The proposed five floors above road level would have a negative impact on the neighbourhood and strong residential community in this area.

4. The proposed eight retail outlets within the complex are also insensitive and incompatible with the residential street.

5. The proposed development will negatively dwarf the nearby 17th century chapel dedicate to Our Lady of Grace.

6. The proposed development would generate considerable induced vehicular traffic in an already busy narrow one way street, and create a dangerous precedent for future developments in the area.

If you’d like to object to the proposal you can contact [email protected] and quote PA07492/19

Steve Zammit Lupi / Facebook